No need for ARP's?

[PC250]

I was talking to the diesel mechanic at a dealer here and he told me when they put new longblocks in trucks (comes with injectors) for $11,000 they use oem gaskets (wich are better than BO according to some) and that they have updated their head bolts six or seven times now and do not stretch. Anytime they have put one in it has not come back he said. But if I wanted to put ARP's in it would be extra cost. Anyone have any input on this? It's a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty so Im thinkin of gettin one just for that peace of mind. Only will put on my EGR delete and pmax so it's not like Ill have huge power

[colo_dually]

Wouldn't trust the joint doing the work after a statement like that.

Install the studs. If that shop has an issue with it, find somewhere else to do the work. $11K is a lot of money not to have the job done right the first time.

And there is little doubt the OEM gaskets are the way to go.
Victor-Reinz/Black-Onyx Headgaskets, Why IMHO they fail

[Six0~Stroker]

I FUULY agree



OEM bolts still stretch... it's just the style of the bolt!

[Country Mav]

I'd have the ARPs installed. For peace of mind if nothing else!

[WLDHRSE]

If I had a long block going in, it would have ARP's on it everytime. But the headbolt/ARP question is not nearly as important as asking him what kind of coolant they want to fill it up with. Huge power or not, most head gasket issues originate from the wrong coolant being used by Ford.

[lhsnbsaoa]

[DoubleDpsd]

all diesel mechanics at dealers are NOT created equal.

He's pushing stock bolts but wants to charge extra to install arp's? fishy. imo.

[DoubleDpsd]

rather have arp's and no warranty for piece of mind.

[PC250]

I believe him about the "updated bolts" and he has never had one back.
But there's two things I have issues with

Why did he say the cab will need to come off to put ARP's on. Can't he just take out the stock bolts in the new longblock and put studs on???

But even if it did blow they would fix it for free in 2 years under warranty and do studs then, which i am ok with. Only considering the dealer for an xtra 4k than other shops because they have a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty unlike most places 1 year 20k

[macoyle]

Sounds like your gettin bent over buddy, huge bill, and I wouldn't trust the bolt design nonsense at all. With all the issues you have had I hope you take it somewhere that will do good work and stand behind it.